Chandigarh: Cancer cases across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh increased by almost 10% over five years, with Haryana witnessing the steepest increase and Himachal Pradesh the lowest.The estimated incidence of cancer cases increased by 11.26% in Haryana, 9.29% in Punjab, and 8.72% in Himachal Pradesh, according to estimates of the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) tabled in Parliament by the Union health ministry.The NCRP estimates showed that the combined number of cancer cases in the three neighbouring states increased from 78,514 in 2021 to 86,352 in 2025, an addition of 7,838 cases over the five-year period. The estimated regional increase of 9.98% was broadly in line with the national trend, where the estimated cancer burden across India rose from 14,26,447 cases in 2021 to 15,69,793 in 2025, an increase of 10.05%.Among the three states, Haryana recorded the highest percentage increase, with estimated cases rising from 30,015 in 2021 to 33,395 in 2025. This translates into an addition of 3,380 cases (11.26%), exceeding both regional and national growth rates. Punjab continued to report the highest estimated number of cancer cases throughout the period. The estimated incidence in the state increased from 39,521 in 2021 to 43,196 in 2025, an addition of 3,675 cases. In Himachal Pradesh, the estimated cancer burden rose from 8,978 cases in 2021 to 9,761 in 2025, an increase of 783 cases, representing the lowest growth rate among the three states.The estimates point to a steady year-on-year increase across the region. Punjab’s estimated cases rose from 39,521 in 2021 to 40,435 in 2022, 41,337 in 2023, 42,288 in 2024, and 43,196 in 2025. Haryana’s cases rose from 30,015 to 30,851, 31,679, 32,513, and 33,395 during the same period, while Himachal Pradesh’s incidence increased from 8,978 to 9,164, 9,373, 9,566, and 9,761.The data was shared by the Union health ministry in response to a question by MP S Jothimani. Outlining measures to address the growing burden, the ministry highlighted a population-based initiative for the prevention, control, and screening of common non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—including oral, breast, and cervical cancers—rolled out under the National Health Mission (NHM). All persons aged above 30 years are targeted for screening at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs through trained frontline workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).Treatment for major NCDs, including cancer, is available under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which provides health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation at empanelled public and private hospitals. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) pharmacies also improve access to affordable anti-cancer medicines and implants, supporting long-term treatment adherence.The National Free Drugs Initiative and Free Diagnostic Services under the NHM ensure essential medicines and diagnostics at public health facilities. Anti-cancer drugs have also been included in the Essential Drugs List at district and sub-divisional hospitals under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).To strengthen treatment infrastructure, the Centre is supporting the establishment of State Cancer Institutes (SCIs), Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs), and District Cancer Care Centres (DCCCs) across the country to improve equitable access to quality diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and rehabilitation.Slowest Rise In Himachal Haryana2021 | 30, 015 2025 | 33,395 Punjab 2021| 39,521 2025 | 43,196 Himachal Pradesh 2021 | 8,978 2025 | 9,761 (Source: ICMR National Cancer Registry Programme) Haryana records the fastest growth rate in the region at 11.26%, outpacing both the regional average (9.98%) and the national growth trend (10.05%) Punjab continues to report the largest volume of cancer cases in the northern belt, crossing 43,000 estimated annual cases by 2025 Himachal shows the lowest percentage growth (8.72%) among the three states, adding fewer than 800 projected cases over the five-year stretch. 15.7 Lakh | Estimated total cancer cases across India by 2025 (up 10.05% from 14.26 lakh in 2021)
